TRAGIC Birmingham soldier Sgt John "Jonah" Jones was being laid to rest today with full military honours.

The 31-year-old's funeral was being held at St Michael's Garrison Church at Tidworth, Wiltshire.

The father-of-one, who grew up in Castle Bromwich, was due to be buried at an armed forces cemetery in the town.

His wife, Nickie, and parents, Carol and Ray Jones, were leading mourners in remembrance of the soldier, who was killed in Iraq last month as he served with the 1st Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

Mrs Jones chose the Tidworth cemetery so her husband could lie near his former comrades, who are due to relocate to the area from their current station in Germany.

Mrs Jones said her son, an Aston Villa fan, joined the Army at 15 and died doing the job he loved. "John liked active duty and loved his Army career," she said. "He was married to the Army."